Australian Open Preview - Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi Redux

Well folks, it's that time of year again!  The beginning of tennis season is upon us, with less than a week before the first major, the Australian Open, begins.  This time last year everyone was expecting Rafael Nadal to complete his RafaSlam, but boy, oh boy did things change.  Novak Djokovic went on to win the '11 Aussie Open, then during the course of the year, beat Rafa is six finals - four times in masters series events [two of those on clay], and two majors' finals - going on to take the number one ranking by reaching the finals of Wimbledon, and ending 2011 with a 70-6 record.  

The top four players have distanced themselves from the rest of the field - there's 2455 points separating numbers four and five & and a staggering 8705 points between numbers one and five.  They will be the clear favorites going into the tournament, but there are also some possible spoilers running rampant in the field.  Two of the biggest spoilers could be the Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and depending on his confidence level, the Tower from Tandil, Juan Martin Del Potro.  Tsonga opened his 2012 bid by winning the title in Doha, defeating his countryman, Gael Monfils, 7-5, 6-3 in the final.  Jo-Willy and DelPo made it to the round of 32 & the round of 64 respectively in last year's Aussie Open, but each one of these guys is in a different place now. Tsonga has moved up into the top ten, currently ranked number six in the world, seven spots higher since Aussie '11.  DelPo's '11 Aussie bid was his first tournament back after having missed almost a whole year and he was ranked 484, a far cry from his current rank of number eleven.  If DelPo's fitness is up to par, he be could be a formidable opponent for either of the top four, especially an 'injured' Nadal or Federer.

Injuries affecting Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer could hamper their bids for more Aussie hardware.  Nadal has even said that he is not sure he will be playing at his peak when the Aussie Open comes around.  Roger had to withdraw from Doha because of back spasms which have caused him some difficulty since the 2010 Wimbledon.  Andy Murray has also shown some signs early on this season that he is battling injuries, although, it seems at times that he always in a battle with himself.  Even though he hobbled during the beginning rounds of the Brisbane International, Andy was able to come away from the tournament with a title, taking down Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1, 6-3.  Djokovic is coming off a historic year, which saw his body start to breakdown towards the end of 2011.  If he has indeed recovered from the stresses of last year, he will definitely be the player to beat.

Bernard Tomic

Milos Raonic

Then there are the possibles, one of them being Milos Raonic.  His breakout tournament was last year's Aussie Open, where he made it to the quarterfinals, being taken out the the scrappy Spaniard, David Ferrer.  He's already won a title this year, defeating Janko Tipsarevic in a tight three set final in Chennai 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4).  Also, Aussie native, Bernard Tomic has the ability to make it deep into the tournament.  I don't see either of these guys making it as far as the semi finals, but they are each capable of dealing out an upset along the way, especially if they happen to come up against a less than top shape Nadal or Federer.

The Aussie Open has always been one of the best majors to lay witness to and not just because of the tennis.  Aussies know how to throw a party!  There's always good tennis to be seen, and the beer mixed with the heat always makes for interesting sites as well, like this guy...

Aussie Streaker!

Australian Open TV schedule can be found here.  ESPN living streaming here (just click on the dates under upcoming).  And as always, live streaming for the Aussie Open (& EVERY other tournament of the year) can be seen at livescorehunter.com.

Enjoy!

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals - London 2011 Preview

It seems like just yesterday, I was on pins and needles waiting for the 2011 Australian Open to begin, and now it's time for the year end finals.  The top eight qualifiers are (in order of ranking), Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Mardy Fish.  This year, Novak Djokovic finally announced himself as the new/current king of tennis by dominating Rafael Nadal in every final they've faced this year - two of them majors, and only losing to Roger Federer once.  At this year's Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the storyline will be Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer.  It's not as if the other players in the tournament don't have a shot at winning, but clearly, the big three (even if Federer is now ranked number four) will be the guys to beat.

If it weren't for a shoulder injury, Nole would be the clear favorite...but, this is the same injury he was dealing with when he won the US Open this year.  Then there is Rafael Nadal, who also nursing a shoulder injury, had to pull out of the Paris Masters.  To date this year, Rafa has been unable to get the best of Nole - the inside out forehand that troubles most players is handled like child's play by Djokovic.  There's also the 'head' factor...that is, Nole is definitely inside Rafa's head.  Against every other player on tour, Federer included, Rafa has a mental advantage over them, but Djokovic is the Spaniard's kryptonite.  The third part of the storyline is Roger Federer.  With only 710 points separating him and Andy Murray in the rankings, Federer could conceivably overtake Andy Murray for the number three position.  He would have to win the title without losing any round robin matches - that would mean he would have to beat Nadal.  Keep in mind that 1) he did beat Nadal in the tour finals last year, and 2) Nadal has never won the world tour finals - in part because this late in the season, Rafa's body has been taken to the brink.


Group A will consist of Novak Djokovic-1, Andy Murray-3, David Ferrer-5, and Tomas Berdych-7.  First matches of this group will be on Monday, November 21 w/Djokovic vs Berdych, and Murray vs Ferrer.  .  Djokovic holds a 7-1 head-to-head vs Berdych - his only defeat coming in the 2010 Wimbledon semifinal.  Murray is 5-3 against Ferrer, all of the loses to Ferrer were on clay.  Let us not forget, that since the US Open, Murray has amassed a 17-1 match winning streak until losing to Berdych last week in the quarter finals of the Paris Masters.  According to Murray, his new diet has given him more energy, time will tell what it has done for his mindset.  Djokovic and Murray are each nursing injuries, so the level of their performances will be questionable until the tournament begins.  Tomas Berdych is very capable of beating any of the players in the draw, but his head seems to always let him down when things matter most.. On paper his best chance in his group would be against Andy Murray, being that he has a losing record against both Djokovic (1-7) & Ferrer (2-5).  David Ferrer, the human backboard, is a respectable player, but doesn't really have a weapon that can hurt the top guys.  He doesn't give players many free points, nor does he get many - he's a top eight player because of his ability to run down balls and keep them in play, but he doesn't have a kill shot.  He only has a winning record against Berdych, so chances that he wins more than one round in his round robin group is slim.

Group B has Rafael Nadal-2, Roger Federer-4, Jo Wilfried Tsonga-6, and Mardy Fish-8.  First matches for Group B is on Sunday, November 20 w/Federer vs Tsonga, and Nadal vs Fish.  Although Federer holds a 7-3 advantage of Tsonga, he will have his work cut out for him - two of Tsonga's three wins against Federer happened this year, one at his beloved Wimbledon in the quarter finals.  On the other side of Group B, Nadal has a 7-1 record against Mardy Fish.  Fish's only win against Nadal was this year at the Masters in Cincinnati. Nadal and Fish are both coming back from injuries, but I'll bet on an injured Nadal over an injured Fish any day.  On paper, group B seems like it will come down to Nadal and Federer reaching the semifinals, but Tsonga could prove to be a spoiler.  He has one win over Rafa this year (at Queen's Club), and as stated earlier, two wins against Federer.  To Roger's credit, he has been playing better now than earlier this year.  His shots seems to have the sting back in them, and his confidence seems to have risen - even with a less than stellar season.

As with every other tournament that has had the top four guys in the field, all eyes will be on them - with the possibility of some spoilers.  In this case, the best chance for a spoiler will be Jo-Willy (baby Ali)...he covers a lot of court for a big dude, and he is not intimidated by any of the top guys.

The finals will be shown on the Tennis Channel, coverage beginning at 7a.  For those of you who don't have the Tennis Channel, live stream will be shown on livescorehunter.com beginning at 8a with Federer/Tsonga, then Nadal/Fish at 2p.  Happy watching!

Wimbledon Men's Semifinals Preview in brief

We're fast reaching the end of the fortnight at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, and the big four (minus one) have done what was expected of them.  This Friday, we will see the top three, plus a number twelve seed do battle for a spot in the Sunday's final.  Rafael Nadal will face with the great British hope, Andy Murray, and  Novak Djokovic will take on Frenchman, Jo Wilfried Tsonga.

Andy Murray (left); Rafael Nadal (right)

In the quarterfinals, Rafa dispatched Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.  It was pretty routine until the third set when Rafa took his foot off of the gas and let the American back into the match.  Nadal showed no signs of being hampered by the foot injury he suffered against Del Potro, saying after the match “I don’t have nothing really important. I have pain on the foot. I cannot run in perfect conditions without sleep the foot. But I don’t know how exactly to say in English. Is strange for me. The anesthetic there I don’t feel nothing, I don’t feel the pain.”  Andy had a bit of an easier time in his quarterfinal match against Feliciano 'Deliciano' Lopez, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.  If Andy plays the way his been playing throughout the tournament (I've said these words before) he has a fighting chance.  Rafa is not playing his best tennis.  Not that Rafa needs to play his best tennis to win anything, but he hasn't been as focused as he needs to be to win against a guy the caliber of Andy Murray.  As long as Andy doesn't revert to his passive, defensive game, he has a very good shot of reaching the final.  Andy's thoughts on his chances against Rafa, "I believe I can win against him. I had chances last year. I was up a break in the third set; had break point on my serve in the second set. I think there was only one break in the first set. We both played good tennis. I just have to have a better game plan this year.''

Novak Djokovic (left); Jo Wilfried Tsonga (right)

Novak Djokovic just has to make the finals of Wimbledon to take over the number one ranking from Rafa, even if Rafa wins, Nole will be the world's number one.  Standing in his way is the man who took out Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, Jo Wilfried Tsonga. Nole made it to the semifinals with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 scoreline, but underestimated his 18 year old unseeded quarterfinal opponent, Bernard Tomic.  Tomic, who is the youngest player since Boris Becker to make it to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, played a lot of 'junk balls' causing Nole to fall out of his rhythm.  Had Nole not had the confidence that a 'one loss season' has given him, he could have been the second upset of the day.  Speaking of upsets, there is Mr. Tsonga, who came from two sets down to defeat six time champion Roger Federer in a thrilling five set match 3-6, 6(3)-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.  Jo-Willey is a big dude with a big game, and in coming back from two sets down to beat The Federer, he showed his mental resolve as well.  Not only will Djokovic have the pressure (again) of having the number one ranking on his raquet, he has the added pressure of Tsonga trying fight his own way into the finals.  Nole better bring his A game & his nerve, Tsonga will definitely fight until the end.

Roger Federer may be missing from the Wimbledon semi finals, but these two matches on Friday will both be full of fireworks (as long as Murray doesn't crumble).

Wimbledon, the Big Four & some honorable mentions

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray

It's quickly becoming that tennis time of year when it goes back to where it all began, the hallowed grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, better known to the masses as Wimbledon.  Dating back to 1877, the game today is a far cry from where it began, thanks in part to the Big Four of men's tennis, and the many tennis greats that came before them.  There's just something about watching tennis being played on grass, with everyone wearing their whites, that makes the game...sexy.  At only about five weeks, the grass court season goes by at the blink of an eye, and it's not nearly enough to time to fully appreciate the beauty of tennis played the way it originated.  Wimbledon is the final grass court tournament, and third slam of the year - it will begin on June 20th, and the final ball will be played on July 3rd.  The talk going into this year's Wimbledon is exactly where it should be, on the top four - deservedly so after their performances at the French Open.  Although the focus is definitely on them, there are some guys who could throw some monkey wrenches into the program.

Rafael Nadal

Number one, Rafael Nadal has been in the finals four times, 2006-2008 & 2010.  He was beaten by Federer in the '06 & '07 finals, before cracking the Federer code and taking the trophy for himself in 2008.  He was out with an injury in 2009 and was unable to defend his title, but coming back in 2010, he won the title again by defeating Tomas Berdych.  Rafa is not a grass court player by nature, he was born on the clay, but he made a point to improve his grass court play after winning his first French Open in 2005 & made winning Wimbledon his goal.  In the 2005 Wimbledon, he was ousted in the round of 64, but come 2006 he was in the final.  Rafa has long ago adjusted his game to suit any surface, and if he is in the draw, expect him to go far. With a renewed confidence after his French Open win, look for Rafa to be in the finals of this year's Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic

Number two, Novak Djokovic's best performance at Wimbledon was last year when he made in to the semifinals, losing to Tomas Berdych.  He is currently having the best year of his career, with his only defeat coming from Roger Federer in the semifinals of the French Open he is currently 13-1 against top ten players.  Up until that point, he was on a 41 match win streak, with seven titles - including one major & four Masters series events.  Nole has proven (this year alone) that he can do battle with the two best players the game has ever seen, but the question going into Wimbledon is how will he bounce back after the defeat at the French.  Under normal circumstances it wouldn't have been an issue, but with the number one position being on his racket in that match, how will that weigh on him?  He has the game to go all the way, but where will his head be at?

Roger Federer

Roger Federer, current number three, is definitely not someone to be counted out, even if he is on course to be 30 years old in August.  I had doubted him going to the French Open, but he proved me & lots of others wrong.  The Federer is the most decorated player in the history of the game with sixteen major titles, six of them at Wimbledon ('03-'07 & '09).  His grass court game is Shakespearean - every move he makes is stoic, classic, and absolute poetry.  Roger has been a finalist at Wimbledon every year since 2003, with the exception of '10 where he was beaten in the quarterfinals by eventual finalist, Tomas Berdych.  Anytime there is grass underfoot, Roger must be included in the conversation.

Andy Murray

Number four ranked Andy Murray, my dearest Andy Murray. He's been in the last two Wimbledon semifinals, losing in '10 to eventual champion, Rafael Nadal, and in '09 to Andy Roddick.  Everyone knows that the Scot has the game to win a major, but he's head has not seemed to grasp that fact yet.  This probably the hardest major for Andy to play in, not because of the surface, but because of the British press.  Since Tim Henman's retirement, Andy has had the weight of British hopes for a major winner on his shoulders.  Maybe new coach/consultant, Darren 'Killer' Cahill, can help get Andy's head where it belongs.

Juan Martin Del Potro

Currently ranked number 22, Juan Martin Del Potro, will be a thorn in the side of any of top players that he may go up against.  His ranking is low only because he missed most 2010 with a wrist injury.  His game is one of power, hit his opponents off the court power, and he can move pretty well for a big guy.  He's done pretty well this year considering that he started the year off ranked 485.  The grass has never been his forte, but this a man who has had a taste of the big time and is hungry for more.

Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick, currently ranked number 10, could also make a little noise at Wimbledon.  He is a three time finalist ('04, '05, & '09) losing each final to the Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer.  The 2009 final was without a doubt his best showing at Wimbledon or against Federer in general, losing 14-16 in the fifth set.  He's a former US Open Champion (2003), and definitely has the game to win another title, but much like Andy Murray, his temper head gets in his way at times.  Roddick is on the tail end of his career, but with the right draw, and some old school ARod type play on the grass, he could definitely be around in week two of the tournament.  Can he take out an 'in form' Nadal, Djokovic,or Federer, highly doubtful.

Wimbledon Streaker

These six guys are just of sample of ones to look out for on the lawns of Wimbledon.  There are some others, like Jo Wilfried Tsonga, who recently took out Nadal in the quarterfinals of the AEGON Championships in London.  Tomas Berdych, who beat Federer in the quarters last year & went on to reach the final.  Robin Soderling, who has a game suited for the (now) slower playing grass courts at Wimbledon, or even David Ferrer, who is a scrappy, human backboard.  There will be plenty more players to raise some brows during the tournament, the majors are always full of surprises, and players making their breakthroughs, so I'm sure this one will be no different.  And of course, there is always the Wimbledon streaker!  Be sure to tune in!  If you are unable to watch on television, head over to livescorehunter.com for live feeds.